Why is it important to sustain your relationship?

2021 ◽  
pp. 239-248
Author(s):  
Andrew E. Budson ◽  
Maureen K. O’Connor
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Loved One

Despite the challenges of dementia, it is important to continue to have fun with your loved one and nurture your relationship. Engaging in pleasant activities is a great way to remain connected. These activities can also help to reduce behavioral problems, boost mood, and even improve functioning in your loved one. Engaging in activities with your loved one can also help reduce burden and stress on you. Although your loved one may have trouble doing some of the things they enjoyed before their dementia, there are a variety of activities that they can still participate in. Some activities may be variations on things they used to enjoy and others may be entirely new. We encourage you to take time to engage in pleasant activities with your loved one on a regular basis.

Which medications can improve thinking, memory, behavior, or function?

2021 ◽  
pp. 181-202
Author(s):  
Andrew E. Budson ◽  
Maureen K. O’Connor
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Serotonin Reuptake ◽  
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽  
Beta Blockers ◽  
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽  
Atypical Neuroleptics ◽  
Loved One ◽  
With Memory ◽  
Over Time

Dementia disrupts a number of brain chemicals, and medications may be helpful to restore the balance of these neurotransmitters. When considering a new medication, it is important to set clear, measurable goals; start with a low dose; and track the effects over time. Cholinesterase inhibitors help with memory, mood, behavioral problems, and hallucinations; memantine helps with attention, alertness, mood, and behavioral problems; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) help with mood, anxiety, and behavioral problems; dextromethorphan/quinidine helps with inappropriate laughing or crying as well as behavioral problems; melatonin and acetaminophen help with sleep; atypical neuroleptics help with agitation, aggression, delusions, hallucinations, and picking; carbidopa/levodopa helps with walking, movement, and parkinsonian tremors; and beta blockers help with essential tremor. Clinical trials of new medications being developed may be available for those who are looking for better treatments for their loved one and for the next generation.

Why is it important to sustain your relationship?

2021 ◽  
pp. 239-248
Author(s):  
Andrew E. Budson ◽  
Maureen K. O’Connor
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Loved One

Despite the challenges of dementia, it is important to continue to have fun with your loved one and nurture your relationship. Engaging in pleasant activities is a great way to remain connected. These activities can also help to reduce behavioral problems, boost mood, and even improve functioning in your loved one. Engaging in activities with your loved one can also help reduce burden and stress on you. Although your loved one may have trouble doing some of the things they enjoyed before their dementia, there are a variety of activities that they can still participate in. Some activities may be variations on things they used to enjoy and others may be entirely new. We encourage you to take time to engage in pleasant activities with your loved one on a regular basis.

How to manage behavioral problems

2021 ◽  
pp. 109-130
Author(s):  
Andrew E. Budson ◽  
Maureen K. O’Connor
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Change ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Good News ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Know How ◽  
Dangerous Situation ◽  
Power Tools

Behavioral problems are among the most difficult ones you may face caring for your loved one with dementia. The good news is that there are many approaches you can use to reduce unwanted behaviors and encourage positive ones. Conquer apathy with routines. Sidestep willfulness with small steps. Use the ABCs of Behavior Change, 4Rs, and Three Time Principles to manage agitation, aggression, combativeness, and inappropriate/disinhibited behavior. Stay safe by giving away or securing guns, power tools, and knives. Remember to call for help or leave a dangerous situation when you need to. Know how to stay safe in the car when you’re driving, and stop your loved one from driving when necessary. Deal with sundowning and challenging interactions outside of the home. Manage jealousy and paranoia. Finally, consider helping your loved one to feel more comfortable with soothing and familiar music, pleasing scents, stuffed animals, and real or robotic pets.

How to manage behavioral problems

2021 ◽  
pp. 109-130
Author(s):  
Andrew E. Budson ◽  
Maureen K. O’Connor
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Change ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Good News ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Know How ◽  
Dangerous Situation ◽  
Power Tools

Behavioral problems are among the most difficult ones you may face caring for your loved one with dementia. The good news is that there are many approaches you can use to reduce unwanted behaviors and encourage positive ones. Conquer apathy with routines. Sidestep willfulness with small steps. Use the ABCs of Behavior Change, 4Rs, and Three Time Principles to manage agitation, aggression, combativeness, and inappropriate/disinhibited behavior. Stay safe by giving away or securing guns, power tools, and knives. Remember to call for help or leave a dangerous situation when you need to. Know how to stay safe in the car when you’re driving, and stop your loved one from driving when necessary. Deal with sundowning and challenging interactions outside of the home. Manage jealousy and paranoia. Finally, consider helping your loved one to feel more comfortable with soothing and familiar music, pleasing scents, stuffed animals, and real or robotic pets.

Which medications can improve thinking, memory, behavior, or function?

2021 ◽  
pp. 181-202
Author(s):  
Andrew E. Budson ◽  
Maureen K. O’Connor
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Serotonin Reuptake ◽  
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽  
Beta Blockers ◽  
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽  
Atypical Neuroleptics ◽  
Loved One ◽  
With Memory ◽  
Over Time

Dementia disrupts a number of brain chemicals, and medications may be helpful to restore the balance of these neurotransmitters. When considering a new medication, it is important to set clear, measurable goals; start with a low dose; and track the effects over time. Cholinesterase inhibitors help with memory, mood, behavioral problems, and hallucinations; memantine helps with attention, alertness, mood, and behavioral problems; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) help with mood, anxiety, and behavioral problems; dextromethorphan/quinidine helps with inappropriate laughing or crying as well as behavioral problems; melatonin and acetaminophen help with sleep; atypical neuroleptics help with agitation, aggression, delusions, hallucinations, and picking; carbidopa/levodopa helps with walking, movement, and parkinsonian tremors; and beta blockers help with essential tremor. Clinical trials of new medications being developed may be available for those who are looking for better treatments for their loved one and for the next generation.

Bereavement Support for Children

2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Jo Auman
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
School Administration ◽  
School Nurses ◽  
Stressful Events ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Bereavement Support ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Death Of A Parent ◽  
Adult Lives ◽  
Psychiatric Problems

The death of a parent is one of the most significant and stressful events children can encounter. Surviving children may experience psychiatric problems and social dysfunction during their childhood and possibly throughout their adult lives. Children surviving a sibling’s death may develop behavioral problems, because no one can fill the emptiness that remains in their lives, especially if their relationship was close. It is vital to recognize the trauma experienced by children who have suffered the loss of a loved one. Adults need to know when a grieving child needs help. Literature supports the need for education and counseling for grieving children. School nurses can be instrumental in meeting these needs for school-age children by performing early, comprehensive assessments, educating school administration regarding the benefits of bereavement support, initiating appropriate referrals, and providing bereavement support.

Suicide-Bereaved Individuals’ Attitudes Toward Therapists

Crisis ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin F. Ward-Ciesielski ◽  
Madeline D. Wielgus ◽  
Connor B. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Time Of Death ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Important Group ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Suicide Bereaved ◽  
Research Domain

Background: Suicide-bereaved individuals represent an important group impacted by suicide. Understanding their experiences following the suicide of a loved one is an important research domain, despite receiving limited attention. Although suicide-bereaved individuals may benefit from mental health treatment, their attitudes toward therapy and therapists are poorly understood. Aims: The present study aimed to understand the extent to which bereaved individuals’ attitudes toward therapy and therapists are impacted by whether their loved one was in therapy at the time of death. Method: Suicide-bereaved individuals (N = 243) from the United States were recruited to complete an online survey about their experience with and attitudes toward therapy and therapists following the suicide of a loved one. Results: Bereaved individuals whose loved one was in therapy at the time of death (N = 48, 19.8%) reported more negative and less positive attitudes toward the treating therapist than those whose loved one was not in therapy at the time of death (N = 81, 33.3%) or whose loved one was never in therapy/the deceased’s therapy status was unknown (N = 114, 46.9%). Conclusion: The deceased’s involvement with a therapist appears to be an important factor impacting the experience of bereaved individuals and should be considered when attempting to engage these individuals in postvention.

Review of No Time to Say Goodbye: Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One.

1997 ◽  
Vol 42 (7) ◽  
pp. 652-652
Author(s):  
Terri Gullickson
Keyword(s):  
Loved One
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